This is the one hundred and tenth anniversary of the birthday of
Washington. We are met to celebrate this day. Washington is the
mightiest name on earth--long since mightiest in the cause of
civil liberty; still mightiest in moral reformation. On that
name an eulogy is expected. It can not be. To add brightness to
the sun or glory to the name of Washington is alike impossible.
Let none attempt it. In solemn awe pronounce the name and in its
naked, deathless splendor leave it shining on.
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Washington--a fixed star in the firmament of great names, shining
without twinkling or obscuration, with clear, beneficent light.
Washington--a fixed star in the firmament of great names, shining
without twinkling or obscuration, with clear, beneficent light.
The defender of his country--the founder of liberty,
The friend of man,
History and tradition are explored read more
The defender of his country--the founder of liberty,
The friend of man,
History and tradition are explored in vain
For a parallel to his character.
In the annals of modern greatness
He stands alone;
And the noblest names of antiquity
Lose their lustre in his presence.
Born the benefactor of mankind,
He united all the greatness necessary
To an illustrious career.
Nature made him great,
He made himself virtuous.
America has furnished to the world the character of Washington!
And if our American institutions had done nothing else, read more
America has furnished to the world the character of Washington!
And if our American institutions had done nothing else, that
alone would have entitled them to the respect of mankind.
Where may the wearied eye repose,
When gazing on the Great;
Where neither guilty glory glows,
read more
Where may the wearied eye repose,
When gazing on the Great;
Where neither guilty glory glows,
Nor despicable state?
Yes--one the first, the last, the best,
The Cincinnatus of the West
Whom envy dared not hate,
Bequeathed the name of Washington
To make man blush; there was but one.
His work well done, the leader stepped aside
Spurning a crown with more than kingly pride.
Content read more
His work well done, the leader stepped aside
Spurning a crown with more than kingly pride.
Content to wear the higher crown of worth,
While time endures, "First citizen of earth."
O Washington! thrice glorious name,
What due rewards can man decree--
Empires are far below thy aim,
read more
O Washington! thrice glorious name,
What due rewards can man decree--
Empires are far below thy aim,
And scepters have no charms for thee;
Virtue alone has your regards,
And she must be your great reward.
First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his fellow
citizens.
First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his fellow
citizens.
Every countenance seeked to say, "Long live George Washington,
the Father of the People."
Every countenance seeked to say, "Long live George Washington,
the Father of the People."
While Washington's a watchword, such as ne'er
Shall sink while there's an echo left to air.
While Washington's a watchword, such as ne'er
Shall sink while there's an echo left to air.
